Real Madrid: 5 players who must shine against Atletico

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ZARAGOZA, SPAIN – JANUARY 29: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid during the Spanish Copa del Rey match between Real Zaragoza v Real Madrid at the La Romareda on January 29, 2020 in Zaragoza Spain (Photo by Jeroen Meuwsen/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

CF Karim Benzema

It seems like Zinedine Zidane will roll with the same diamond formation that he used against Atletico in the Supercup, except there will be a change up top. Luka Jovic started both Supercup games due to Karim Benzema’s hamstring injury, but the former France international is back at full strength.

Benzema will be a pivotal player on Saturday, as usual. Lately, he’s cooled off in front of goal, but he’s still been working hard in his creative role to build chances for others. Look for him to get back on the scoresheet in La Liga against Atleti, possibly with a headed goal. His presence in the box will be key against Atleti’s notoriously stingy defense.

LB Ferland Mendy

Ferland Mendy has clearly surpassed Marcelo as Real Madrid’s starting left back. He is light years ahead of Marcelo defensively and is honestly better at progressing the ball into the final third, even if he doesn’t quite have the quality on the ball that the Brazilian legend does.

He didn’t play against Atletico at the Wanda in their first La Liga encounter, but he should have a big role to play. How he fares out in the ball against Atleti right back Kieran Trippier will be intriguing, since Trippier has been one of Atleti’s most important players this season.

Expect Mendy to have a standout game, and he should be considered a Man of the Match candidate alongside Valverde.

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